Enacting smarter policies to preserve Ohioans' gun rights

The pro-growth policies put in place by Republicans the past few years have helped Ohio bounce back from the dreadful economic circumstances it faced not long ago. More businesses were created in Ohio in 2013 than in any other year in the state's history, according to the Ohio Secretary of State's office.

I look forward to continuing my work on these important goals and am confident Ohio will become even more attractive to businesses looking to create jobs.

While the economy is the No. 1 issue on most everyone's mind, it is not the only concern people in the 72nd House District share. For example, in talking to constituents over the years, I know they share my strong belief in upholding our Second Amendment rights.

That is why I was proud to support a bill last year that makes some important, common-sense changes to Ohio's gun laws. House Bill 203 passed the House in November and is facing consideration in the Senate. Unfortunately, leading up to the House vote, there was a lot of negative attention raised about the bill that was unwarranted, even though in the end the bill received bipartisan support.

One provisions of the bill brings Ohio in line with at least 28 other states that have a policy commonly called, "stand your ground." Ohio's current Castle Doctrine allows individuals to use deadly force to protect themselves if they are threatened in their homes or vehicles. HB 203 simply extends that right to any location where someone is legally permitted to carry a firearm. If such an action is taken, the person firing the gun must be able to prove that his or her life was in danger.

The bill also takes necessary steps to keep guns out of the hands of people who should not have them. For example, it prohibits a person with a fifth-degree felony drug offense from getting a concealed carry license for a minimum of 10 years. Anyone with multiple fifth-degree drug offenses is permanently prohibited from obtaining a license.

Finally, the bill requires concealed carry applicants to pass a background check through the National Instant Check System (NICS), which is compatible with a greater number of states. Better background checks, combined with the restrictions related to drug felonies is a move in the direction of preventing people with potential mental health issues from getting a license.

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Enacting smarter policies to preserve Ohioans' gun rights

The pro-growth policies put in place by Republicans the past few years have helped Ohio bounce back from the dreadful economic circumstances it faced not long ago.